Supreme Court Seeks Detailed Affidavit from Delhi Govt on AQI Monitoring System

November 17, 2025

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Delhi government to file a detailed affidavit detailing the equipment used to monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the capital and its effectiveness. According to the Bar and Bench report, the court was hearing a petition related to stubble burning and its impact on the rising pollution levels in Delhi-NCR.

With Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud on leave, an executive bench of Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, Justice Vinod Chandran and Justice N.V. Anjaria heard the matter.

Issue of video of water being sprayed near AQI machines raised

During the hearing, senior advocate Aparajita Singh, amicus curiae, drew the court’s attention to some reports and viral videos alleging water being sprayed near AQI monitoring stations. She argued that this could artificially reduce the actual pollution levels.

Aparajita Singh also argued that the equipment used to measure AQI in Delhi is old and incapable of accurately reflecting pollution levels in the capital.

CPCB expresses confidence in the capability of the equipment

Responding to this, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati, representing the central government, said that the AQI monitors of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) are working continuously and automatically record pollution levels every hour.

She also said, “This water sprinkling incident is happening all over the city… Political parties are spreading such videos.”

Next hearing on November 19

After hearing arguments from both the sides, the Supreme Court directed the Delhi government to file a detailed affidavit on the technology, efficiency and utility of the equipment used in AQI monitoring.

The next hearing of the matter will be on November 19.